Winter Memories retired

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Winter Memories, who thrilled her fans with her come-from-behind style of running, has been retired.

Winter Memories won the Grade I Diana Handicap at Saratoga on July 28, giving her eight wins in 12 career starts. Trainer Jimmy Toner hoped to end her season with a win in the Flower Bowl at Belmont Park in the fall and then the Breeders’ Cup in October.

A couple days ago, the 4-year-old grey was found to have fillings in her ankles.After x-rays were taken, the results stunned her connections. She has an uncommon degenerative bone disease in her ankles. She will run no more.

“There is no question about it,” Toner said by cellphone Thursday afternoon,” her type doesn’t come around too often.”

Toner, of course, is saddened by the news, but he also is relieved that his stable star will walk out of his barn healthy. She will be treated and is expected to live a long, full life.

“I really would have liked to have gotten those two races,” Toner said. ”I have had some nice fillies who have done their jobs and won races, but I’ve never had one like this. She really gave you a different feeling. The good thing is that she is happy and she is sound.”

Winter Memories will head to Darby Dan Farm in Lexington, Ky. where she was born. That is where she will begin her second career in the breeding shed.